Seoul: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cuisine

Seoul wasn’t just another stop on our journey—it was a mix of contrasts that kept us constantly engaged. It’s a city where the past and present collide in fascinating ways, where we could stand in the eerie quiet of the DMZ one day and be surrounded by the neon chaos of a bustling night market the next. We ate things we never imagined we’d try (some better than others), walked through history in ways that made it feel real, and even got a little dressed up for the occasion. This trip gave us moments that made us pause, laugh, and sometimes cringe (looking at you, soybean ice cream), and it’s one we won’t forget anytime soon.

A Moving Experience: DMZ Tour

One of the most profound parts of our family trip to Seoul was visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a four-kilometer-wide strip of land that has separated North and South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953. About 60 kilometers north of Seoul, this area stands as both a stark reminder of conflict and a symbol of ongoing hope for peace.

Our guided DMZ tour included several key sites that deepened our understanding of Korea’s divided history. The Freedom Bridge, built in 1953 as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement, was a haunting sight—it was used to exchange prisoners at the end of the war, and you can still feel the weight of history standing there. At Dora Observatory, we had the surreal experience of peering across the empty Demilitarized Zone and into North Korea. The eerie quiet of the landscape contrasted with the knowledge of what lies beyond the border.

Perhaps the most intense part of the tour was venturing into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, one of the secret tunnels that North Korea supposedly dug to invade South Korea. The steep descent took us 75 meters underground, and then we walked about 265 meters through a low, narrow tunnel before turning back. I had to hunch over the whole time, which made the experience feel even more immersive—and slightly claustrophobic. But it was absolutely worth it.

As a bonus (or maybe a punishment?), we tried soybean ice cream while at the DMZ. Let’s just say we do not recommend it!

A Culinary Adventure in Seoul

We made it a point to take food tours in many of the countries we visited, but Seoul’s food scene was especially memorable. This was where Ash and I (the kids took one look and said “nope”) tried sannakji, or live octopus. Well, technically it’s not still alive, but it’s fresh enough that it wriggles in your mouth as you chew. It has to be chopped up into pieces because eating a whole octopus can be dangerous—the suction cups could attach to your throat! Did I love it? Not exactly. But I didn’t mind it, and I’ll always take the chance to try something new.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Seoul without indulging in Korean BBQ, one of the best food experiences in the world. The sizzling meats, the endless side dishes, and the hands-on grilling made for a fun and delicious meal. We also spent hours wandering through Seoul’s food markets, sampling spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes), crispy hotteok (sweet pancakes), and steaming bowls of kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew). As with our other Asian food market stops, Seoul did not disappoint.

A Hanbok Experience: Embracing Tradition on Our Family Trip to Seoul

One of my absolute favorite experiences in Seoul was renting and wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, with Lila. The entire process was magical. The shop ladies were so kind, helping us pick out beautiful hanbok and even styling our hair. Once we were all dressed up, we stepped out onto the streets—and it felt like walking through a dream.

Everywhere we looked, families and beautiful girls were taking photos in their hanbok, celebrating Korean culture in the most vibrant way. The atmosphere was joyful, and it was such a special experience to share with my daughter. If you ever visit Seoul, I highly recommend trying it for yourself.

Wrapping Up Our Time in Seoul

Our family trip to Seoul was filled with history, adventure, and cultural experiences that brought us closer together. From standing at the edge of North Korea to tasting the unexpected and dressing in the elegance of Korea’s past, every moment left a lasting impression. Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, and we loved it.